Declutter your life, transform your space: Kickstart the year with a clean home
Jan 14, 2025
HONOLULU (KHON2) -- January is the perfect time for a fresh start; and National Organize Your Home Day, celebrated annually on Jan. 14, offers the ideal opportunity to get your space in order.
Whether you're living in a small apartment or a larger house, organizing your home can bring a sense of peace, efficiency and joy.
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Shaolin Low, the owner of Studio Shaolin, shared valuable insights on how to declutter and keep your home organized throughout the year.
"Start with a purpose," Low said when asked about the decluttering process. "The first thing you need to ask yourself is why. What do you want the space to become? Having a purpose in mind helps guide the process and makes it easier to let go of things you no longer need."
Low emphasized that understanding your reasons for decluttering helps prevent the process from feeling overwhelming.
"Sometimes, you just love a lot of knickknacks, and that's okay. But if you understand the purpose behind decluttering, it becomes easier to make decisions," she explained.
When it comes to where to start, Low suggested tackling the space that feels most accessible to you.
"I think you should start with the room you feel most drawn to," she said. "Don't force yourself to declutter because you could end up frustrated and just making a bigger mess."
For some, that might be the closet. For others, it could be a child's room or the kitchen.
"For me, I declutter over many weeks," Low shared. "I do it when I feel inspired. And it works for me." So, don't feel pressured to do it all at once.
Low also recommended using the popular method from organizing expert Marie Kondo: "Grab an item. If it doesn't spark joy, let it go."
However, Low has her own approach to sorting items. "I make three piles: 'Yes, I need this, and I'll find a home for it'; 'Maybe, but I’m not sure'; and 'No, this is definitely going to be donated.'"
She explained that being firm with your decisions is key, especially when it comes to the "maybe" pile.
"Give yourself a time limit," she said. "If you haven’t used or touched something in a year, it’s probably time to let it go -- unless it’s something sentimental or seasonal, like winter gear."
One of the hardest parts of decluttering is deciding what to do with all the items you're letting go. Low has a solution.
"I'm really passionate about donating to local families and communities," she explained. "There are several great places to donate to that focus on helping people in need."
She listed popular donation centers like Goodwill and Salvation Army as well as smaller local organizations. Low plans to post a list of donation centers on her Instagram for easy reference.
When asked about her own experience, Low shared, "I recently decluttered in my home. I had a floating shelf that my husband and kids used as a catch-all. I cleared it off, took some items from my store, and decorated it. It made me feel so much better."
Speaking of her store, Low highlighted Studio Shaolin's unique offerings that can help you not only organize but also decorate your home.
"We sell a lot of home decor items like pillows, candles, and objects that bring joy to your space," she said. "I just love curating unique items; and I think you’ll love them, too."
Low's store, Woven by Shaolin, is also offering discounts on items before its physical location closes on Jan. 30.
"Everything is on sale -- up to 50% off select items," Low shared. "And if you come in before Jan. 30, you get a free tote bag, no purchase required." The store will continue to operate online after the closure.
Low also emphasized the importance of giving thoughtful gifts.
"I personally love giving random gifts. Our store has unique items like journals and candles that make great gifts for friends and family," she said. "Everything is handmade or small batch; so, you won’t find these items everywhere."
For anyone looking for organization tips or shopping inspiration, Low’s Instagram is a great resource.
"I’ll be posting donation information and updates about our store," she said. "You can find us on Instagram at Woven by Shaolin, and we’re open every day from 10 to 5 in Kailua."
As we celebrate National Organize Your Home Day, it's the perfect moment to take action on decluttering your space.
Whether you're starting small, focusing on a specific area or tackling the entire house, keeping your eye on the clutter from the outset will make keeping it clear much easier.
Helpful tips for keeping your home organized year-round:
Declutter regularly: Set aside time each month to evaluate your belongings and make sure they still align with your space’s purpose.
Establish a system: Have a designated place for everything in your home. When things have a specific spot, it’s easier to maintain organization.
Don’t overcrowd shelves or surfaces: Less is more. Keep your shelves and surfaces clear so that the items you do have are visible and accessible.
Use storage wisely: Invest in storage solutions like baskets, bins, or shelves to keep things neatly organized and out of sight.
Donate frequently: When you find things you no longer need, donate them. Keeping a bag or box ready for donations helps you stay on top of the process.
By following these tips and incorporating Low's approaches, you can create a home that not only looks organized but also feels good to live in.
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Whether you're letting go of old items or finding the perfect decor to bring joy to your space, staying organized is a journey that can start today and continue throughout the year.